The Arizona sentinel., 1887-10-15
ARTISTIC TABLEWARE.
Charming and Costly Novelties ExhibIt'
 by New York Dealers.

Charming and Costly Novelties Exhibited
 by New York Dealers.
 Cups and saucers are shown in infinite variety of shape, color and design. The 5owl-shaped cup is preferred by many of the best authorities, while others choose those that have almost straight sides. Especial attention is given to after-dinner cups. They are to be found in almost every imaginable shape, and with all sorts of quaint and fanciful suggestions in form and decora- ton. Shell-shaped saucers have cups following the idea of the shell as nearly as possible. the handles being in the form of smaller shells of various sorts. A popular handle is pair of butterfly wings very slightly spread. Bronzed handles are popular, and although not a novelty, are seen upon some of the finest of the new designs. Some handles appear like forked or irregular branches of trees. They are cut squarely of, having little projecting twigs, very odd-looking and pretty. There are also cups and saucers with raised enamel, and fine vine patterns that are among the most popular of the current styles. This relief work. how ever, is seriously objected to by sensi- tive persons, as the contact of spoon or fork with an uneven surface is thought to be somewhat trying to people of delicate nerves. Such persons will do well to select dishes that show relief only on the edges or the outside.
 Salad sets are brought out both in square and oblong-square shapes, the plates in either being perfectly square or round, according to fancy, or square with small portion of each corner cut of. Other styles are oblong or half d3ep, with round or Octagon plates. The styles in fruit or berry sets number scores, each one rivaling the other in beauty of form, pattern and quality of decoration. Special attention seems 10 have been given to this department of tableware, and with the happiest results. Some housekeepers disregard all ideas of matching in these sets, and select large, deep bowl of fine cut glass, with some of ihe choice fancy wares. There are shell porcelain dishes for serving the fruit that are extremely pretty with these cut-glass bowls. They are made with raised patterns, and appear as though set with jewels, so brilliant are the colorings of the flowers and foliage. Ice cream sets are somewhat more conventional in shape. As cream is frequently sent to the table in long bars, an oblong dish or platter is most convenient for the purpose. The plates are either square, round or of fanciful form, or fancy glass dishes may be used with equal propriety. With the present wealth of design and shape the artistic householder can scarcely go wrong selecting from the standard makers of china, and if her taste is cultivated her table may be as perfect, judged by an artistic standard, as her means will allow.
 In the way of odd pieces there is almost endless variety. Special dishes with characteristic decorations are fur nished for almost every article of food. Bread plates have design of folded napkin laid across the middle. As paragus dishes look like the stalks of the plant either in wicket-work design or in the form of One-half of a large bunch of the vegetable as it appears in market. There are baskets for rolls, covered dishes for cheese, egg dishes, long, slender celery boats, sardine dishes with attached or independent trays. according to taste. Platters have metal points upon which the game or roast may be impaled, for the con- venience of inexperienced or careless carvers and the absolute destruction of earving-knives.
 There are very attractive pudding dishes with metal baking dishes to place inside. Some of the new styles in fine ware are peculiarly attractive and unique in form and decoration.
 Dishes for sauces are shown in vari- ous shapes. Those designed for the fish course are made in tue shape of fish, with one side hollowed out and the tail turned upward for handle. Reg ular gravy and sauce tureens and boats are made, with attached or separate trays. Some of them have china ladies, but they are so fragile that nearly all hOusekeepers must resort to silver la- dies sooner or later, and the demand for those of china are decreasing.
 There are few novel features in the extensive and varied stock of cracker jars, oatmeal sets, oyster dishes and bone plates. The latter are larger than those that were first brought out, and there is such steady and growing de- mand for them that they bid fair to be- come a part of the regular dinner service.
 Large boats or flat, low dishes for floral decorations for the table are inter. esting. They come in several sizes; those very low and flat, not unlike platter, with perpendicular rim, are most convenient In them the flowers are arranged by the skilled florist, q centerpiece being added or not ac-